Multi-purpose equipment

ABSTRACT

Multi-purpose equipment  10  is disclosed having a modular housing  12 , a multi-function module  14  for containing electronic or mechanical devices, a tool pod  16  having multiple tools  106  pivotally attached thereto, an accessory compartment  18  for removably containing, for example, a disposable lighter  32 . Module  14  is preferably removable and is adapted contain an electronic or mechanical device, such as a mechanical compass  172 , an electronic compass  215 , or other electronic devices. Tool pod  16  includes a plurality of pivotally attached tools  106 . A lanyard  34  may also be provided to tether module  14  to housing  12.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application Ser.No. 60/102,172, filed May 26, 2000, and U.S. provisional applicationSer. No. 60/258,095, filed Dec. 26, 2000.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to modular multi-purpose equipment comprising acombination of tools, electronic and/or mechanical devices, and otheraccessories.

BACKGROUND ART

Hand-held tools or devices that can perform multiple functions are notnew.

One category of such devices is multi-tools, i.e., pliers in combinationwith multiple folding tools, such as knife blades, screwdrivers, bottlecap and can openers, and the like. The TOUGH™ tool multi-tool pliers byImperial Schrade Corp. (disclosed, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,002) andthe PST multi-tool by Leatherman Tool Group, Inc. (disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 4,744,272) are representative of the state of the multi-toolart. While quite suitable for the functions that they are designed toperform, these types of tools do not provide sufficient flexibility tointegrate non-tool accessories.

Another category of devices known in the art comprises wrist-worndevices that include multiple functions, such as a digital watch, anelectronic compass, a barometer, an altimeter, or the like. The Vector™wrist-top computer by Suunto (see http://www.suuntousa.com) and themodel ATC1200-1V Forester wrist-top computer by Casio (seehttp://www.casio.com) are representative of the state of the art in thisfield. The wrist-worn devices of the prior art are deficient in thatthey do not provide sufficient flexibility to offer electronic functionsin combination with other useful devices, such as tools or accessories.In addition, operation of the wrist-worn electronic devices of the priorart is complicated, requiring reliance on a printed manual to accessand/or use many of their features.

There have been some efforts in the prior art to provide products thatcombine some of the functions of a multi-tool with other devices.McIntosh, U.S. Pat. No. 5,313,376, is an example of such efforts.McIntosh discloses a multipurpose pocket knife/light that includesfolding tools, a flashlight, a mechanical compass, a temperature gage, awhistle, and a storage compartment. McIntosh is deficient in that itsdesign cannot accommodate a wide variety of combinations andconfigurations of devices, it is not particularly attractive, and has noelectronic device capabilities.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide multi-purposeequipment that can accommodate tools and a wide variety of otherelectronic/mechanical devices and accessories in many differentcombinations in an attractive and easy to use hand-held housing.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a modularhousing for multi-function equipment that can be easily andinexpensively modified to accommodate a wide variety of combinations oftools and other devices.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a hand-heldproduct having the tools and equipment necessary for a person to survivein remote outdoor environments.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide amulti-function electronic device, the operation of which can be quicklyand easily mastered without continued reliance on a printed manual.

In accordance with these and other objects, the present inventioncomprises multi-purpose equipment including a modular housing, amulti-function module for containing an electronic or mechanical device,a tool pod having multiple tools pivotally attached thereto, and anaccessory compartment for removably containing any one of a variety ofdifferent accessories, such as a disposable lighter, bandages, a firstaid kit, bicycle tire removal tools, a pen or pencil, or coins, forexample.

The overall shape of the modular housing is reminiscent of a cellulartelephone. The multi-function module is preferably cylindrical and isselectively removable to and from a module-receiving cavity formed onthe upper portion of the front face of the housing. The module ispreferably tethered to the housing via a lanyard, and the tool pod islocated on one side of the housing and preferably includes a pluralityof tools pivotally attached to swing out laterally from the housing.

A major feature of the present invention is the removable module whichis adapted to contain a mechanical and/or electronic device having thefollowing features, singly or in combination: a mechanical compass, anelectronic compass, a global positioning system receiver, a clock, athermometer, an altimeter, a wireless phone, a stud finder, a tapemeasure, a beacon, an alarm, a two-way radio, a calculator, a computer,a laser measurement/range finder, a golf scoring card, a tire gauge, andan electronic map. Thus, the multi-purpose equipment of the presentinvention is designed to be easily and inexpensively modified to supporta wide variety of applications.

In alternate embodiments of the invention (particularly versionsdesigned to be less expensive), any one or more of the components of thepresent invention, such as the tool pod, the flashlight, or themulti-function module could be simplified or even omitted. The inventioncould include more than one of a particular component, such as theinclusion to two tool pods, for example.

The lanyard according to the present invention preferably includes twolooped cords. Both the housing and the multi-function module of thepresent invention include a lanyard catch, through which one of thelanyard loops may be passed and attached thereto. One of the loops ispreferably large enough to allow the multi-function module to passtherethrough, so that the lanyard can be attached to the catches on thehousing and module at the same time. This functionality allows thelanyard to be used in multiple configurations: (1) tethered to bothcatches at the same time; (2) tethered to the catch on themulti-function module only; and (3) tethered to the catch on the housingonly. A whistle having an aperture for attachment to one of the cordsmay also be provided.

One preferred embodiment of the present invention includes amulti-function electronic device having a display, contained within themulti-function module, that includes time and date, alarm, stopwatch,compass, altimeter, barometer and a thermometer functions (or modes).Four buttons are preferably provided for displaying and using theavailable functions. In accordance with the present invention, themulti-function electronic device is programmed so that a user of thedevice, after learning the operation of any one mode, can operate thedevice without the use of a printed manual. This is accomplished, inpart, by programming the device so that any feature can be accessed bypressing no more than one button at a single time. These features areimportant to the present invention because it is likely to be used inoutdoor environments where reliance on a printed manual is undesirableor may even be impossible.

The housing of the present invention is specifically designed for easyand inexpensive modification at the manufacturing level. The primarystructural components of the housing comprise a spacer sandwichedbetween front and rear plates. The multi-function module is retained bya module-receiving cavity attached to the front plate. The spacerdefines the shape and thickness of the accessory compartment and thetool pod. At the manufacturing level, changing the thickness orconfiguration of the accessory compartment and/or the tool pod is asimple matter of using a differently sized spacer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present invention will be more fullyappreciated as the same becomes better understood from the followingdetailed description of the preferred embodiments when considered inconnection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view thereof, shown with the moduleremoved, with the lanyard attached to both the housing and the module,and some of the tools partially unfolded;

FIG. 4 is an exploded rear perspective view thereof;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged left side view of a tool pod;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged top view thereof;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the presentinvention, shown with the module removed;

FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a preferred embodiment of theprinted circuit board of the module;

FIG. 9 is a front view of a stud finder module, an alternativeembodiment of the multi-function module;

FIG. 10 is a front view of a global positioning system receiver module,another alternative embodiment of the multi-function module;

FIG. 11 is a front view of a combination range finder and calculatormodule, another alternative embodiment of the multi-function module;

FIG. 12 is a front view of a wireless telephone module, anotheralternative embodiment of the multi-function module;

FIG. 13 is a front view of a radio transmitter/transponder module,another alternative embodiment of the multi-function module;

FIG. 14 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the LCD face of themulti-function module, shown in default mode, displaying time and alarm;

FIG. 15 is a front view of the LCD face of the multi-function module,shown in default mode, displaying time and date;

FIG. 16 is a front view of the LCD face of the multi-function module,shown in default mode, displaying time and year;

FIG. 17 is a front view of the LCD face of the multi-function module,shown in default mode, displaying the time and date set function;

FIG. 18 is a front view of the LCD face of the multi-function module,shown in default mode, displaying the alarm set function;

FIG. 19 is a front view of the LCD face of the multi-function module,shown in default mode, displaying the stopwatch function;

FIG. 20 is a front view of the LCD face of the multi-function module,shown in default mode, displaying time and alarm information and the“low battery” indicator;

FIG. 21 is a front view of the LCD face of the multi-function module,shown in compass mode, displaying direction and declination;

FIG. 22 is a front view of the LCD face of the multi-function module,shown in compass mode, displaying the compass set function;

FIG. 23 is a front view of the LCD face of the multi-function module,shown in altitude mode, displaying altitude, rate of ascent/descent andtime;

FIG. 24 is a front view of the LCD face of the multi-function module,shown in altitude mode, displaying the altitude set function;

FIG. 25 is a front view of the LCD face of the multi-function module,shown in barometer mode, displaying absolute barometric pressure,temperature and rate of change in barometric pressure in English units;

FIG. 26 is a front view of the LCD face of the multi-function module,shown in barometer mode, displaying absolute barometric pressure,temperature and rate of change in barometric pressure in metric units;

FIG. 27 is a front view of the LCD face of the multi-function module,shown in barometer mode, displaying sea level barometric pressure,temperature and rate of change in barometric pressure in English units;and

FIG. 28 is a front view of the LCD face of the multi-function module,shown in barometer mode, displaying the barometric pressure setfunction.

PREFERRED MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1-2, referencenumeral 10 generally refers to a preferred embodiment of themulti-purpose equipment of the present invention. Equipment 10 comprisesa housing 12 and a multi-function module 14 positioned on the housing.

As will be appreciated, the structure of housing 12 is substantiallyidentical for all embodiments discussed herein. However, multi-functionmodule 14 may differ according to the particular function desired.

For example, module 14 may contain a mechanical or analog device, suchas a mechanical compass (as shown in FIGS. 1-3), as will be explained ingreater detail hereinafter.

Housing 12 has an attractive appearance, somewhat reminiscent of acellular telephone. It includes a front face 11, a back face 23, a top3, a bottom 5, and sides 7 and 9. Sides 7 and 9 are preferably taperedinwardly from top 3 to bottom 5. Front face 11 includes an upper portion82 and a lower portion 84.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment, module 14 is substantiallycylindrical in shape and fits within a substantially cylindricalmodule-receiving cavity 21 (see FIG. 3) located on upper portion 82 offront face 11. It may be appreciated that module 14 is centrally andprominently located on a major portion of front face 11 of housing 12.In addition, as will become more clear hereinafter, module 14 isremovable by hand, as may be desired by the user, from module-receivingcavity 21. When module 14 is in place within module-receiving cavity 21,as shown in FIG. 1, the display screen of the electronic or mechanicaldevice housed in module 14 (not shown in this view) is protected sinceit is face down.

As will be described in greater detail herein, equipment 10 is designedto provide and house multiple devices, tools and accessories in acompact assembly that can be hand-held and stored safely in a coat orpants pocket, in a bag, or clipped to a person's belt.

For example, extending from one side 7 of housing 12 is a tool pod 16having a plurality of tools 106 (e.g., knife, can opener, scissors,etc.) pivotally mounted therein. The details of tool pod 16 will bedescribed in greater detail hereinafter.

Located in lower portion 84 of front face 11 is a flashlight 22 whichpreferably comprises an LED 158 and a button 156 for actuating the LED158.

Centrally located and accessible from the top 3 of housing 12 is alongitudinally formed accessory compartment 18 that is designed toaccommodate disposable lighter 32 (see FIG. 4).

On rear face 23 of housing 12 is a belt clip 20 to permit the entireunit to be easily mounted on one's belt.

In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, themodular design of equipment 10 allows it to be easily and inexpensivelymodified at the manufacturing level to support a wide variety ofapplications. For example, multi-function module 14 could be adaptedcontain a mechanical compass, a electronic compass, a global positioningsystem receiver, a clock, a thermometer, an altimeter, a wireless phone,a stud finder, a tape measure, a beacon, an alarm, a two-way radio, acalculator, a computer, a laser measurement/range finder, a golf scoringcard, a tire gauge, and an electronic map. Some of these embodimentswill be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. Tool pod 16 couldeasily be modified to include different groups of tools. Accessorycompartment 18 could shaped to accommodate a variety of accessories,both removable and fixed. In less expensive models, any one or more ofthe components of equipment 10, such as tool pod 16, flashlight 22, ormulti-function module 14 could even be omitted.

As the foregoing demonstrates, housing 12 and module 14 serve as thebasic foundation for a wide variety of applications.

Mechanical Compass Embodiment

A preferred embodiment wherein multi-function module 14 houses amechanical or analog compass is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and will now bedescribed.

Metal contained within housing 12 may result in inaccurate readings froma device, such as a mechanical compass, that may be contained withinmulti-function module 14. Therefore, multi-function module 14 isdesigned to be removable from housing 12. Housing 12 includes a modulecavity 21 (FIG. 3) in which multi-function module 14 is stowed when notin use as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 4, module 14 issecured to module cavity 21 by means of two flanges 23 and 25 which areinserted and rotated into bayonet slots 27 and 29, respectively, thatare formed on the rim of cavity 21.

As shown in FIG. 3, a mechanical compass 172 having an outwardly facingdisplay 174 is contained within module 14. Display 174 can be viewedwhen module 14 is removed from module cavity 21 and inverted. Whenmodule 14 is stowed in cavity 21, display 174 is enclosed between modulecavity 21 and module 16, and is therefore protected from damage.

Referring now to FIG. 3, flashlight 22 preferably includes a rubberizedbutton 156 that, when depressed, activates an LED 158. Of course otherlight-emitting devices, such as incandescent bulbs, could be substitutedfor LED 158. LED 158 is preferred, however, because of its combinationof low power consumption and intensity. LED 158 is powered by a 3 voltdry cell battery 182, which is removably secured to a battery housing188 located in multi-function module cavity 21.

A lanyard 34 (see FIG. 3) may be provided to prevent multi-functionmodule 14 from becoming lost. Lanyard 34 includes two cords 36 & 37,which are both fastened to a retainer 39, forming loops 41 & 43 in cords36 & 37, respectively. Cords 36 & 37 are formed of woven nylon butcould, alternatively, be formed of any suitable material. Retainer 39 ispreferably formed of flexible plastic or rubber. Two lanyard catches 17(FIG. 2) & 19 (FIG. 3) are provided on housing 12 and module 14,respectively, for attaching lanyard 34. Loop 41 is preferably largeenough to allow module 14 to pass therethrough, so that lanyard 34 canbe attached to both catch 17 and catch 19 at the same time. This featureallows lanyard 34 to be used in multiple configurations:

-   -   tethered to both catches 17 & 19 at the same time, thereby        tethering module 14 to housing 12 (see FIG. 3);    -   tethered to catch 17 only; or    -   tethered to catch 19 only.        Optionally, a whistle 38 having an aperture 45 for attaching        whistle 38 to cord 36 or 37 may also be provided.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of equipment 10 for the purpose of showingthe shape and relationship of the internal parts of housing 12 anddescribing the modular construction of housing 12. Tool pod 16 andaccessory compartment 18 are sandwiched between a front plate 136 and aback plate 74, which are separated by spacer 28.

Spacer 28 is roughly L-shaped, including a wall 31 and a floor 35 thatis orthogonal to wall 31. Spacer 28 accommodates tool pod 16 atop floor35. Wall 31, floor 35, tool pod 16 front plate 136, and back plate 74define the bounds of accessory compartment 18. Preferably, wall 31 andfloor 35 each respectively include a gripping surface 13 and 15 (seeFIGS. 1 and 2) that helps the user to grip equipment 10 when held in hisor her hand.

Accessory compartment 18 can be used to accommodate a number ofdifferent items. In this embodiment, compartment 18 removably receives aconventional disposable lighter 32 (such as a Bic® or Scripto® branddisposable lighter). When equipment 10 is fully assembled, compartment18 is formed by spacer 28, front plate 136, back plate 74, and equipmentpod 16. A lid 30 covers compartment 18 and lighter 32 (when storedtherein) and can be flipped upwardly to remove or replace lighter 32.When contained within compartment 18, lighter 32 is protected frommoisture and damage.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, lighter 32 is designed to beremovable in order to keep flames and heat away from equipment 10 and toallow for easy and inexpensive replacement of lighter 32. Alternatively,a refillable built-in lighter (not shown) could be provided.

Tool pod 16 is affixed within spacer 28 and includes a plurality oftools 106 (see FIG. 5-6). Tools 106 pivot approximately 180 degrees fromthe stowed position (shown in FIGS. 4-6) to a fully extended and lockedposition (not shown).

Referring now to FIGS. 5-6, tool pod 16 in a preferred embodimentincludes a housing 98 having a planar floor 100 and two opposing uprightwalls 102 and 104, between which tools 106 are stowed. The pivoting andlocking features of tool pod 16, including tool lock 120 (including aleaf spring and a transverse slot), are similar in structure andoperation to the pivoting and locking features used in the TOUGH™ toolmulti-function pliers, manufactured by the Imperial Schrade Corp., andtherefore, will not be described in detail herein. Such features are setforth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,781,950 the disclosure of which is specificallyincorporated herein by reference.

Tools 106 may comprise many different combinations of implements, all ofwhich are well-known in the art. Examples of such tools could include: aknife blade 128, a pair of scissors 125, a saw blade 123, a combinationcap-opener/Phillips-head screwdriver 132, and a combination canopener/flat-head screwdriver 126. Such tools are intended to be merelyexemplary of the wide variety of tools that could be included as part oftool pod 16.

Tool pod 16 also preferably includes a corkscrew 112 having a worm 114welded to an arm 116, which is pivotally attached to the exterior sideof wall 102. Corkscrew 112 is pivoted 90 degrees counter-clockwise foruse.

Recessed portions 119 and 121, formed in wall 102 and back plate 74 (seeFIG. 4) allow for easy access to tools 106 and corkscrew 112.

Returning now to FIG. 4, front plate 136 and back plate 74 are formed ofmetal, for durability, but obviously could be formed of any durablematerial. A belt clip 20 is preferably provided and attached to the rearof back plate 74 to allow equipment 10 to be secured to the belt of aperson carrying equipment 10. Clip 20 is preferably made of high-impactplastic which may be color coordinated with other parts of equipment 10.Clip 20 may be affixed to back plate 74 by any convenient means, such asrivets of adhesives. Module cavity 21 is preferably affixed to frontplate 136.

As discussed above, the modularity of housing 12 provides significantlymore flexibility at the manufacturing level than equipment of the priorart. Modification of housing 12 to accommodate tool pods of differentwidths, a differently-shaped accessory compartment, or omission ofeither of these parts is simply a matter of substituting a spacer of adifferent width and/or shape. Other modifications could include theomission of module cavity 21 and multi-function module 14.

Electronic Compass Embodiment

Referring now to FIGS. 7 & 7A, equipment 110 is shown with analternative multi-function module 214. The structure of housing 112 issubstantially the same, if not identical, to the housing 12 of themechanical compass embodiment described in detail above. Multi-functionmodule 214 comprises an electronic compass 215 that includes thecapability of displaying a variety of information, including time, date,stopwatch, temperature, direction, absolute and relative barometricpressure, and altitude above sea level. Module 214 may optionallyinclude a signal mirror 217 incorporated into housing 112 which isformed of a reflective material, such as polished steel.

Compass 215 is operated by four buttons 310, 312, 314, and 316 (see FIG.14—only buttons 312 & 314 are visible in FIGS. 7 & 7A). As will bedescribed in greater detail herein, the functions and operation ofelectronic compass 215 represents a marked improvement over similardevices in the prior art. The primary components of electronic compass215 comprise a liquid crystal display (LCD) 228 and a printed circuitboard (PCB) 232 (see FIG. 8).

LCD 228 is a conventional backlit, disk-shaped display commonly used inwristwatches. In this embodiment, the backlight color is preferablyselected to be amber (orange) in order to provide optimum visibility atnight. Of course other backlight colors, such as red or green, forexample, could be used.

A block diagram showing the basic structure of PCB 232 is shown in FIG.8. PCB 232 includes several modules that provide the informationdescribed above. Time, date and stopwatch information is generated inclock/timer module 280. Directional information (compass) is provided bya magnetic sensor/coil module 282. Barometric pressure information isprovided by a pressure sensor module 284. Temperature is provided by anelectronic temperature sensor module 286. Modules 280, 282, 284 and 286are all readily-available electronic components. Modules 280, 282, 284,and 286 each send information to processor 288 that converts theinformation from each module and displays it on LCD 228. Processor 288also changes the information displayed on LCD 228 in response to inputsfrom buttons 310, 312, 314, and 316 (see FIG. 14).

Referring back to FIG. 7A, power for PCB 232 and LCD 228 is preferablyprovided by a 3 volt dry cell battery (not shown) that is removablysecured within module 214 by a threaded cover 248. An o-ring may beprovided between the battery and cover 248 to seal out moisture. Cover248 is opened and closed by means of a generally rectangular slot 250,which can be opened with a coin or flat head screwdriver, for example.

Multi-function module 214 may optionally include a small dish-shapedbubble level (not shown), which would preferably be embedded in compass215. The inclusion of a bubble level would aid in the calibration ofelectronic compass 215 in altimeter mode, which will be discussed indetail herein, as well as improving the accuracy of compass 215 incompass mode.

Alternative Multi-Function Module Embodiments

As noted above, multi-function modules 14 and 214 comprising mechanical(analog) and electronic (digital) compasses, respectively, representonly two examples of the many possible devices that may be included aspart of equipment 10 of the present invention. Other possibilitiesinclude, for example, a stud finder module 414 (FIG. 9), a globalpositioning system (“GPS”) module 514 (FIG. 10), a range finder andcalculator module 614 (FIG. 11), a wireless phone module 714 (FIG. 12),and a radio transmitter/transponder module 814 (FIG. 13).

Stud finder module 414 (FIG. 9) could include sensors (not shown) todetect both metal and wood (density) that would be displayed byindicator lights 416 and 418, respectively.

GPS module 514 (FIG. 10) provides current position information, such aslatitude and longitude, which is displayed on an LCD 516. Two buttons518 and 520 would allow the user to cycle up and down through displaymodes. A set button 522 acts to store the current position in memory. Amemory recall button 528 displays waypoints stored in memory. Buttons524 and 526 respectively turn module 514 on and off.

Range finder/calculator module 614 (FIG. 11) provides informationregarding the distance between module 614 and an object or surface, aswell as calculator functions. Such information is displayed on an LCD616. Module 614 includes front-mounted sensor 615 which may include alaser light (not shown) to identify the surface to which distance isbeing measured. A mode button 618 allows the user to switch from Englishto metric units in range finder mode and to switch between range findermode and calculator mode. A read button 626 causes the current distanceto be fixed on LCD 616. A set button 628 is used to calibrate sensor615. A memory input button 622 stores distance readings or calculatednumbers in memory. A memory recall button 620 recalls numbers stored inmemory. Two operation buttons 632, 630 provide addition andmultiplication functions. An “equals” button 624 displays the results ofan addition or multiplication operation.

Wireless phone module 714 (FIG. 12) is laid out and functions much likea conventional flip-type cellular telephone. Module 714 includes an LCD724, keypad 718, buttons 720 and 722 for respectivelyinitiating/answering and terminating a call, buttons 728 and 730 forscrolling through stored telephone numbers, and button 726 for scrollingthrough the various modes provided by module 714. Such modes couldinclude, for example, an electronic phone book, a log of incoming andoutgoing calls, options, and other features commonly found onconventional wireless telephones.

Radio transponder/transmitter module 814 (FIG. 13) includes an antenna818 contained within a lid 816 that pivots about a hinge 817. Module 814preferably includes a send button 820 for sending a beacon or distresssignal and a reset button 822. Module 814 is targeted for use in amarine environment.

As is the case with multi-function modules 14 and 214, several of theabove-noted modules, for example, range finder and calculator module614, are preferably designed to be removable from housing 12. However,other modules, such as wireless phone module 714, need not be removable,and therefore, could be permanently attached to housing 14 and wouldinclude therefore a hinged lid 716 which provides access to thefunctional features of module 714. Such multi-function moduleembodiments could otherwise resemble the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-7.

Layout and Operation of the Electronic Compass

Having discussed additional alternative multi-function modules,attention is now returned to the electronic compass embodiment for amore detailed discussion of its operation, which represents asignificant improvement over the wrist-top computers of the prior art inthe simplicity of its use.

Referring now to FIG. 14, the layout of LCD face 308 is designed toallow the user to quickly recognize and use the information displayedthereon. As will be described in greater detail herein, four buttons310, 312, 314 and 316 are provided to allow the user to navigate throughthe numerous functions available. Information relating to such functionsis displayed in one of four display zones 301, 302, 303, and 304, aswell as a direction ring 326.

LCD 228 includes four modes: time and date, compass, altitude, andbarometer. Each general mode includes several functions or displaysub-modes (which will be described in detail herein), each displayingdifferent information in at least one of zones 301, 302, 303 and 304.

The active mode (i.e., the mode being displayed on face 308) isindicated by an arrow 328, which is located in zone 304 and points totext corresponding to the active mode. Cycling from mode to mode isaccomplished by depressing pressing mode button 312. For example,compass 220 may be cycled from time mode (as shown in FIG. 14) toaltitude mode (as shown in FIG. 23) by depressing mode button 312 twice.The operation of compass 220 will now be described in detail:

Time Mode

FIGS. 14-19 show face 308 in time mode. In time mode, face 308 displaystime and date information, as shown in FIG. 14. When time mode isselected, the following information appears on face 308:

-   Zone 301: displays the current time in either 12 or 24-hour format    (with AM and PM indication when in 12-hour format)-   Zone 302: display cycles between date sub-display, year sub-display,    or alarm time sub-display-   Zone 303: displays seconds

Compass 220 is operated as follows when LCD 280 is in time mode:

-   -   depressing select/set button 314 cycles through alarm, year and        date sub-displays    -   depressing button 310 continuously for 2 seconds activates a        stopwatch function (described below)    -   depressing button 310 briefly toggles between 12 and 24-hour        time mode    -   depressing pressing button 316 once activates an alarm set        function (described below)    -   depressing pressing button 316 continuously for 2 seconds        activates a backlight (not shown) for 10 seconds    -   depressing and holding select/set button 314 for 3 seconds        activates a clock set function (described below)

Face 308 displays the following information in zone 302 when in timemode:

-   Date display sub-mode: displays the month and date in mm.dd format    and the word “Date” (see FIG. 15)-   Year display sub-mode: displays the year in yyyy format and the word    “Year” (see FIG. 16)-   Alarm display sub-mode: alarm time in hh.mm format and the word    “Alarm” and “AM” or “PM” if in 12-hour time mode (see FIG. 17).    Clock/Date Set Function

FIG. 17 shows face 308 in clock/date set function mode. Upon entry intoclock/date set function, AM/PM designation flashes on zone 301. Theprocedure for setting time and date is as follows:

-   -   Depressing button 310 or button 316 toggles the AM/PM        designation between “AM” and “PM”. Depressing select/set button        314 causes the hour designation to flash in zone 301. Depressing        and releasing button 310 or button 316 increases or decreases        the hour in one hour increments. Faster scrolling of hours can        be accomplished by depressing and holding button 310 or button        316.    -   Depressing select/set button 314 again causes the minute        designation to flash in zone 301. Depressing button 310 or        button 316 increases or decreases minutes in one minute        increments. Faster scrolling of minutes can be accomplished by        depressing and holding button 310 or button 316.    -   Depressing select/set button 314 again causes the year        designation to flash in zone 302. Depressing button 310 or        button 316 increases or decreases the year in one year        increments. Faster scrolling of years can be accomplished by        depressing and holding button 310 or button 316.    -   Depressing select/set button 314 again causes the date (mm.dd)        to be displayed in zone 302 and the month designation to flash.        Depressing button 310 or button 316 increases or decreases the        month in one month increments. Faster scrolling of months can be        accomplished by depressing and holding button 310 or button 316.    -   Depressing select/set button 314 again causes the day        designation to flash in zone 302. Depressing button 310 or        button 316 increases or decreases the day in one month        increments. Faster scrolling of days can be accomplished by        depressing and holding button 310 or button 316.    -   Depressing select/set button 314 once again returns the user to        AM/PM set mode.    -   Depressing button 312 at any time while in Clock/Date Set        Function returns LCD 228 to Default Mode (FIG. 14).        Alarm Set Function

The alarm set function of face 308 is shown in FIG. 18. Upon activationof the alarm set function, the hour designation will begin flashing onzone 302 and a box will appear around the word “Alarm”. The procedurefor setting the alarm is as follows:

-   -   Depressing and releasing button 310 or button 316 increases or        decreases the flashing hour designation in one hour increments.        Faster scrolling of hours can be accomplished by depressing and        holding button 310 or button 316,    -   Depressing select/set button 314 causes the minute designation        to flash in zone 302. Depressing button 310 or button 316        increases or decreases minutes in one minute increments. Faster        scrolling of minutes can be accomplished by depressing and        holding button 310 or button 316.    -   Depressing button 312 at any time while in Alarm Set Function        returns LCD 228 to Default Mode (FIG. 14).        Stopwatch Function

The stopwatch function of LCD 228 is shown in FIG. 19. As describedabove, the stopwatch function is activated from time mode by depressingand holding button 310 for 2 seconds. When the stopwatch function isactive, face 308 displays the following information:

-   Zone 301: displays “ET” and elapsed time in minutes and seconds in    mm.ss format.-   Zone 302: displays current time in hh:mm format, along with “AM” or    “PM” if in 12-hour time format.-   Zone 303: displays elapsed time in hours.-   Zone 304: arrow 328 rotates to indicate that the stopwatch has been    started.

The stopwatch function is operated as follows:

-   -   Depressing button 310 starts elapsed time running, depressing        button 310 again stops elapsed time, depressing button 310 a        third time restarts elapsed time.    -   Depressing button 316 resets elapsed time to zero.    -   Depressing select/set button 314 returns LCD 228 to default        display mode (FIG. 14).        Low Battery Feature    -   When battery 244 nears full discharge (for example, 10% of        original charge remaining), AM/PM designation will flash and        alternate between “AM” or “PM” and “LB” (see FIG. 20).        Compass Mode

FIG. 21 shows LCD 228 in compass mode. In compass mode, face 308displays the following information:

-   Zone 301: displays a numerical reading from 0 degrees to 360    degrees, indicating the direction arrow 330 is facing (with 0    degrees equaling due North), along with a two-letter directional    designation (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, or NW).-   Zone 302: displays the current time in hours and minutes and an    AM/PM designation if in 12-hour time format.-   Zone 303: displays declination reading (i.e., the angle that would    be formed between the needle of a mechanical compass and a line    pointing due North) and an indicator line that shows whether the    declination angle is to the East or West of due North.-   Ring 326: displays an arrow 311 which is a graphical representation    of the numerical reading oh zone 301.    Operation when Default Display is Active    -   Depressing and holding select/set button 314 for 3 seconds        activates the compass calibration function (FIG. 22).        Compass Calibration Function    -   Upon entry into Compass Calibration Function, place holders will        be flashing on zone 301 and the letters “CAL” will be displayed        in zone 302.    -   Depressing select/set button 314 causes the place holders to be        replaced by a flashing numerical reading “0 00” and an arrow to        appear in ring 326    -   Depressing select/set button 314 again begins calibration        (numerical reading “0 00” will stop flashing). To calibrate,        keep compass 220 level and rotate it 360 degrees. During        rotation of compass 220, arrows will appear in ring 326 will        rotate 360 degrees and the numerical reading will change. When        compass 220 has been rotated 360 degrees, all arrows in ring 326        will be lit and the numerical reading will flash.    -   Depressing and releasing select/set button 314 changes LCD 228        to declination calibration mode, causing the numbers in zone 303        to flash. Depressing button 310 or button 316 will respectively        increase or decrease the declination reading. When declination        reading is at the desired number, select/set button 314 is        depressed to return to compass display mode.        Altimeter Mode

FIG. 23 shows LCD 228 in altimeter mode, in which face 308 displays thefollowing information:

-   Zone 301: displays current altitude above (or below) sea level in    feet when in English units mode (“FT” is also displayed) or meters    when in metric mode (“M” is displayed). The range and accuracy of    the altimeter is from −500 feet to +15,000 feet in 10 foot    increments or −160 meters to +4575 meters in 5 meter increments.    When current altitude is greater than 9,999 feet, the first two    numbers of the current altitude are displayed at the top of zone    301.-   Zone 302: displays the current time in hours and minutes and “AM” or    “PM” if in 12-hour time format.-   Zone 303: displays the rate of change in altitude in feet per minute    or meters per minute. If altitude is increasing, an upward pointing    arrow is displayed. If altitude is decreasing, a downward pointing    arrow (not shown) is displayed.    Operation in Altimeter Mode    -   Depressing and releasing button 310 toggles the LCD 228 between        English and Metric units.    -   Depressing and holding button 310 for 3 seconds changes LCD 228        to altitude set function (see FIG. 24).        Altimeter Set Function    -   Accurate calibration of current altitude requires the user to        know his or her actual current altitude. Upon entry into        Altimeter Set Mode, current altitude reading will flash. Buttons        310 and 316 are used to respectively increase or decrease the        current altitude until it equals the known actual current        altitude.    -   A less accurate method of setting the current altitude is to set        the sea level pressure in Barometer mode (described herein) to a        known value (that can be obtained from a current weather        report). Setting the current altitude in this manner will be        accurate to within a few hundred feet.        Barometer Mode (FIGS. 29-32)

FIGS. 25-26 shows LCD 228 in barometer mode, which includes thefollowing information:

-   Zone 301: displays the absolute barometric pressure in inches of    Mercury (Hg) or in millibars (mbar) and the letters “AB” appear    above the pressure reading. The usable pressure range is 10.0 Hg to    32.4 Hg or 338 mbar to 1095 mbar.-   Zone 302: displays current temperature in ° F. or ° C., the usable    temperature range being from −5° F. to +140° F. or −20° C. to +60°    C.-   Zone 303: displays the amount of change in pressure (in units equal    to the present pressure reading in Zone 301) since the last pressure    reading taken by the on-board sensor (not shown).    LCD 228 is operated in barometer mode as follows:    -   Depressing and releasing button 310 toggles zones 301, 302 and        303 between English units (see FIG. 25) and metric units (see        FIG. 26).    -   Depressing and releasing select/set button 314 changes LCD 228        to sea level barometric pressure display mode.    -   Depressing and holding select/set button 314 for 3 seconds        changes LCD 228 to sea level barometric pressure set mode.        Sea Level Barometric Pressure Set Function-   Zone 301: displays the relative barometric pressure (equal to the    difference between the absolute barometric pressure and sea level    barometric pressure) and the letters “SL” above the pressure    reading.    Calibrating the barometric pressure is accomplished as follows:    -   Calibrating the barometric pressure requires the user to know        the actual current barometric pressure at sea level, which can        be found in many weather reports.        Upon entering this mode, the pressure reading in zone 301 will        flash. To calibrate, button 310 or button 316 is depressed to        respectively increases or decreases the pressure reading until        the pressure reading equals the actual current barometric        pressure at sea level. Depressing select/set button 314 fixes        the pressure reading and returns LCD 228 to sea level barometric        pressure mode.

CONCLUSION

It is clear from the above that the objects of the invention have beenfulfilled.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon whichthis disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for thedesigning of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out theseveral purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore,that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructionsinsofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention as defined in the appended claims.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable persons whoare not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determinequickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of thetechnical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neitherintended to define the invention of the application, which is measuredsolely by the claims, nor is intended to be limiting as to the scope ofthe invention in any way.

It can be seen from the above that an invention has been disclosed whichfulfills all the objects of the invention. It is to be understood,however, that the disclosure is by way of illustration only and that thescope of the invention is to be limited solely by the following claims:

1-42. (canceled)
 43. Multi-purpose equipment comprising: a housing; atool pivotally attached to said housing; a module removably secured tosaid housing, said module adapted to contain an electronic or mechanicaldevice having a display face; and means for covering said display faceto protect said display face from damage when not in use.
 44. Themulti-purpose equipment of claim 43, wherein said means for coveringsaid display face comprises a module receiving cavity formed in saidhousing, said display face being enclosed between said module and saidmodule receiving cavity when said module is secured to said modulereceiving cavity.
 45. The multi-purpose equipment of claim 43, whereinsaid means for covering said display face comprises a removable lidadapted to cover said display face.
 46. The multi-purpose equipment ofclaim 45, wherein said removable lid is pivotally attached to saidhousing.
 47. The multi-purpose equipment of claim 43, wherein saidmodule receiving cavity includes a signal mirror formed of a reflectivematerial.
 48. A module housing for multi-purpose equipment that includesa tool pod having a plurality of tools and an electronic/mechanicaldevice, comprising: a front plate; a rear plate spaced from and parallelto said front plate; a spacer extending between said from and rearplates; and at least one tool pivotally attached between said front andrear plates.
 49. The modular housing for multi-purpose equipment ofclaim 48, further comprising a module for containing an electronic ormechanical device, and a module receiving cavity secured to said frontplate, said module adapted to be removably secured to said modulereceiving cavity.
 50. The modular housing for multi-purpose equipment ofclaim 49, further comprising a tool pod, said at least one tool beingpivotally attached to said tool pod, said tool pod located between saidfront plate and said rear plate.
 51. The modular housing formulti-purpose equipment of claim 48, wherein said front and rear platesare formed of metal.
 52. The modular housing for multi-purpose equipmentof claim 48, wherein said spacer is formed of plastic. 53.Multi-function equipment, comprising: a housing having a first lanyardcatch, said first lanyard catch comprising a first channel having twoopenings therein; a module removably attached to said housing and havinga second lanyard catch formed thereon, said module adapted to contain anelectronic or mechanical device, said second lanyard catch comprising asecond channel having two openings therein; a lanyard comprising aretainer, a first cord having a first loop, a second cord having asecond loop, said first and second cords being affixed to said retainer;said first lanyard catch adapted to receive and removably secure saidfirst and second cords; said second lanyard catch adapted to receive andremovably secure said first and second cords; wherein said first loop issufficiently large so that said module can be passed through said firsthoop.
 54. The multi-purpose equipment of claim 53, wherein said firstlanyard catch further comprises a pin.
 55. The multi-purpose equipmentof claim 54, wherein said second lanyard catch further comprises a pin.56. The multi-purpose equipment of claim 53, further comprising awhistle having an aperture formed thereon, said aperture being adaptedto receive said second cord therethrough.
 57. A multi-functionelectronic device, comprising: an electronic display having a pluralityof modes, including a time/date mode, a compass mode, an altitude mode,and a barometer mode; a plurality of sub-modes, including time, date andalarm display, stopwatch, compass display, altitude display, andbarometric pressure display; a plurality of set/calibrate functions,including time and date set, alarm set, compass calibration, altitudeset, and barometric pressure set; and a plurality of buttons fordisplaying said plurality of modes, sub-modes, and set/calibratefunctions; wherein each of said plurality of modes, sub-modes, andset/calibrate functions can be displayed by pressing no more than one ofsaid plurality of buttons at a single time.
 58. A method of displayinginformation generated by a ml electronic device, comprising the stepsof: providing a plurality of modes including a time/date mode, a compassmode, an altitude mode, and a barometer mode; providing a plurality ofsub-modes including time, date and alarm display, stopwatch, compassdisplay, altitude display, and barometric pressure display; providing aplurality of set/calibrate modes including time and date set, alarm set,compass calibration, altitude set, and barometric pressure set;providing a plurality of buttons, including a mode button and aset/select button; displaying each of said plurality of modes bypressing no more than one of said plurality of buttons at a single time;displaying each of said plurality of sub-modes by pressing no more thanone of said plurality of buttons at a single time; and displaying eachof said plurality of set/calibrate functions by pressing no more thanone of said plurality of buttons at a single time.
 59. The method ofclaim 58, wherein said step of displaying each of said plurality ofmodes comprises the step of pressing said mode button one or more times.60. The method of claim 59, wherein said step of displaying each of saidplurality of sub-modes comprises the step of pressing said set/selectbutton one or more times.
 61. The method of claim 60, wherein said stepof displaying each of said plurality of set/calibrate functionscomprises the step of pressing and holding said set/select button for atleast 2 seconds.